British Para squad announced for WEG

Britain’s Para-equestrian dressage squad for the World Equestrian Games has been announced, with a number of Paralympic, World and European gold medallists on the list.

Squad

The UK Sport Lottery Funded squad comprises Grade Ia rider Sophie Christiansen (26) on Janeiro 6,Grade Ib riders Ricky Balshaw (27) and LJT Enggaards Solitaire and Lee Pearson (40) and Zion, Grade II riderNatasha Baker (24) andCabral plus Grade IV rider Sophie Wells (24) on Valerius.

The non-travelling reserve is Grade II rider Erin Orford (25) on Candi KA, while Sophie Wells’ other rides, Pinocchio and Fatal Attraction, are named as direct reserves.

“After a good final competition at Hartpury last week, I’m delighted for the five riders who’ve been selected to go to this summer’s Games. We look forward to heading to WEG with a strong team to defend our reputation and achieve the main aim of qualifying for Rio 2016,” said Chef d’Equipe David Hunter.

Going for gold

Britain has an extremely strong record in Para-dressage, being thecurrent and undefeated World, European and Paralympic champions.

Paralympic heroine Natasha Baker will be making her World Equestrian Games debut in Normandy. “I’m heading into it as the WEG newbie so it’s even more exciting,” said Natasha.

“I expect WEG will have more of a feeling of the Paralympic Games, especially as there’s eight sports there competing; to be able to watch the other disciplines will make it even more special.”

Ricky Balshaw is feeling positive ahead of the championships. “This is the first time I’ve worked alongside Michel [Assouline], and we’ve literally flipped my riding on its head; I’m really excited to be working with him at a major Championships,” he said.

Experience

Sophie Christiansen, Lee Pearson and Sophie Wells bring with them a wealth of championship experience.

All riders compete as individuals at the Championships and a team of four riders will be announced before the start of the competition to contest the team event.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games take place in Normandy, France (23 August – 7 September), with the para-equestrian dressage competition taking place from 25-29 August at the La Prairie Racecourse in Caen.

Meet the squad

Natasha Baker from Uxbridge, Middlesex,and Cabral (JP), owned by Mr & Mrs P Baker, Mrs Alder and Mr Christian Landolt; 12-year-old bay gelding, 16.2hh

Ricky Balshaw fromDonnington, Telford,and LJT Enggaards Solitaire (Sid), owned by The Lady Joseph Trust; nine-year-old bay gelding, 16.2hh

Sophie Christiansen from Maidenhead, Berkshire,and Janeiro 6 (Rio), owned by Sophie; 17-year-old bay gelding, 16.2hh

Lee Pearson from Leek, Staffordshire,and Zion (Zion), owned by Mr & Mrs D Pearson, Mrs Gillian Chinn & rider; 10-year-old bay gelding, 17hh

Sophie Wells from North Harbury, Nottinghamshire,and Valerius (Reece), owned by Sophie; 12-year-old liver chestnut gelding, 17.2hh

Erin Orfordfrom High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, and Candi KA (Candi), owned by Clare Porz; 15-year-old bay mare, 16.1hh